Combination abdominal/pectoral exercise device

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose exercise device where a user sitting on the exercise device seat can exercise their muscles by first sitting in an upright position on the horizontally disposed seat, with the lower part of their feet pressing against the first horizontally disposed bar above their ankles. The user then leans back from their waist at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontally disposed seat then the user returns to an upright position. This exercise repeated several times affects the abdominal muscles. A user may also exercise the pectoral muscles with the exercise device when the user begins with both arms grasping the second horizontally disposed bar. A user then extends both arms and lowers the torso by bending the arms at the elbow to a convenient position parallel to the second horizontally disposed bar The user raises the torso to the beginning or original position by extending the arms again. The repetitive exercise against resistance provided by the user&#39;s body weight strengthens the pectoral muscle.

I claim priority to Provisional Application No. 60/463,614 filed Apr. 17, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an exercise device and more particularly to an apparatus for exercise of the human abdomen muscles and pectoral muscles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an exercise device for exercising pectoral and abdominal muscles. Presently, various types of exercise machines are available for different portions of the human anatomy such as the hip, thigh, buttocks and abdominal muscles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,535 issued to Gvoich discloses a multipurpose thigh/hip/abdominal exerciser comprising a pair of side members each having a concave surface adapted to engage one of thighs of a user. Each of the side members are supported by a corresponding frame and attached to a resilient member that urges the side member toward the open side of the concave surface. The frames can be affixed in several orientations. While perhaps effective in providing exercise for a human abdomen, hip and thigh, this exercise apparatus is complex for users who have to be familiar with various orientations of the frames.

People who exercise desire equipment that does not require large space, is easy to move to a different location, can be used to exercise various muscles, is easy to use, and is not expensive because of the complexities of manufacture.

Accordingly, the present invention takes into account the aforementioned desired features associated with exercise machines.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus for toning and/or building abdomen and pectoral muscles and yet not complex to manufacture.

It is the object of the present invention to effectively and conveniently provide abdominal and pectoral muscles exercises for the human anatomy in the same equipment.

It is also the object of the present invention to provide an abdomen and pectoral muscles exercise device that is simple for a user to operate.

It is a further object to provide an abdominal and pectoral muscles exercise device that is easily movable from one location to another.

It is still the object of this invention to provide an exercise device which allows a user to exercise the pectoral and abdominal muscles with little risk of injury, because no additional weights are used. Resistance is provided by the user's own body weight.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be recognized when the following description is considered along with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is the side view of the exercise equipment being used for abdominal exercise in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is the side view of the exercise equipment being used for pectoral muscles exercise in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is the top perspective view of the exercise equipment showing where various members of the equipment are attached to each other.

FIG. 4 is the top perspective view of the exercise equipment in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is the rear view of the exercise equipment in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 in one embodiment of the present invention comprising a combination abdominal/pectoral exercise device 10, a rigid frame includes a base adapted to rest upon a floor wherein said base includes a pair of side base bars 13 and 14, of equal length and a transverse base bar 15 extending between the pair of side base bars 13 and 14. The left side base bar 13 comprises a front side 16 and a rear side 18. The right side base 14 comprises a front side 20 and a rear side 22. The left side base bar 13 and right side base bar 14 are generally parallel to each other. The transverse base bar 15 comprises an elongated bar having opposing ends generally fixed perpendicularly to the midpoint of the left side base bar at one end 23 and the midpoint of the right side base bar at the other end 24.

A generally first planar post 26 extends upwards in a curve and levels off at the peak 30 whereby the first planar post 26 is attached to the front 78 of the left base bar 13. A generally second planar post 28 extends upwards in a curve and levels off at the peak 32 whereby the second planar post 28 is attached to the front 80 of the right base bar 14.

The sitting component frame 34 is supported by a first inclined seat support bar 36 and a second inclined seat support bar 38. The first inclined seat support bar 36 is attached to the rear end 40 of the left base bar 13 whereby the first inclined seat support bar 36 is also attached to the level portion 44 of the first planar post 26. A second inclined seat support bar 38 is attached to the rear end 42 of the right base bar 14 whereby the second inclined seat support bar 38 is also attached to the level portion 46 of the second planar post 28.

One side of the rectangular sitting component frame 34 is attached to the first planar post 26 at 29 and 31. Another side of the rectangular sitting component frame 34 is attached to the second planar post 28 at 33 and 35.

A horizontally disposed seat 48 rectangular in shape is secured to the rectangular sitting component frame 34. The seat preferably includes suitable material comfortable for a user's buttocks which includes but is not limited to foam layer mounted on wood, and covered with vinyl.

A user may sit on the horizontally disposed seat 48 and depending on their size, adjust the position where their buttocks rest on the on the horizontally disposed seat in order to comfortably perform the desired exercise.

A first horizontally disposed bar 84 has opposing ends 52 and 54 whereby one end 52 is secured to the first planar post 26 and another end 54 is secured to the second planar post 28. The first horizontally disposed bar 84 includes an inner member 50 comprising rigid material and an outer member 56 comprising soft suitable material. The inner member 50 is made of material which includes but is not limited to metal, wood or other suitable material. The outer member layer 56 is made of material comfortable to a user's foot which includes but is not limited to foam material. The outer layer may be protected by other materials including but is not limited to vinyl.

The first horizontally disposed bar 84 works as a foot restraint bar which restrains the movement of the feet during abdominal exercise. FIG. 1 illustrates a user's feet placed behind the first horizontally disposed bar during abdominal muscles exercise. The user's feet are restrained from moving forwardly beyond the first horizontally disposed bar.

A second horizontally disposed bar 88 works as a user's “push-up” bar. The second horizontally disposed bar 88 includes two opposing ends 66 and 64 whereby one end 64 is secured to the first inclined seat support bar 36 and another end 66 is secured to the second inclined seat support bar 38. The second horizontally disposed bar 88 includes an inner member 62 and an outer member 76. The inner member 62 is made of suitable material which includes but is not limited to metal. The outer member 76 is made of suitable material which includes but is not limited to rubber.

The second horizontally disposed bar 88 or “push-up” bar is attached to the first and second inclined seat support bars in manner allowing a user to firmly and comfortably grip the second horizontally disposed bar 88 with both hands. In the shown preferred embodiment, the rigid frame with a base adapted to rest upon a floor includes suitable non skid members 68, 70, 72, and 74 providing firm support once the frame rests upon a floor.

Many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood, that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1, a user sitting on the seat 48 can exercise their abdominal muscles by first sitting in an upright position on the horizontally disposed seat 48, with the lower part of their feet pressing against the first horizontally disposed bar 84 above their ankles. The user then leans back from their waist at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontally disposed seat 48 then the user returns to an upright position. This exercise is repeated several times resulting in strengthening of the abdominal muscles over time.

Now, referring to FIG. 2 a user begins with both arms grasping the second horizontally disposed bar 88. A user then extends both arms and lowers the torso by bending the arms at the elbow to a convenient position parallel to the second horizontally disposed bar 88. The user raises the torso to the beginning or original position by extending the arms again. The repetitive exercise against resistance provided by the user's body weight strengthens the pectoral muscles of the user over time.

In another preferred embodiment, the second horizontally disposed bar is capable of being raised in height from the inclined seat support bars or lowered in height from the inclined seat support bars in order to accommodate different users. Raising or lowering the horizontally disposed bar changes the resistance against the muscles. Therefore, a user has the option of increasing or decreasing the intensity of the exercise.

In another preferred embodiment, a restraint or seat belt is provided for preventing a user from sliding off the seat during abdominal exercise. The seat belt is attached to the sitting component frame on opposite ends allowing a user to tie the seat belt generally across the user's hips.

In a further preferred embodiment, the foot restraining bar or the first horizontally disposed bar is adjustable. This embodiment would allow users to have two ways of adjustment based on the size and the length of a user. First, the user may adjust the position where their buttocks rest upon the seat. Second, the user may also move the first horizontally disposed bar upward or downward to accommodate different size and height of the user.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure, but rather is intended to cover all modifications and alternate methods and apparatus within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. An exercise device comprising: an “H” shaped rigid frame comprising a base to rest upon a floor; a pair of planar posts generally comprising a first planar post and a second planar post wherein each post extends from said rigid frame; a rectangular sitting component frame fixed to said pair of planar posts; a horizontally disposed seat rectangular in shape secured to said rectangular sitting component frame.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises: a pair of equal length side base bars wherein said base bars are parallel to each other; and a transverse base bar extending between the pair of side base bars.
 3. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein said pair of side base bars comprise: a left side base bar wherein said left side base bar comprises a front side and a rear side; and a right side base bar wherein said right side base bar comprises a front side and a rear side.
 4. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein said transverse base bar includes, an elongated bar having opposing ends generally fixed perpendicularly to a midpoint of the left side base bar at one end and a midpoint of the right side base bar at an opposing end.
 5. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: said first planar post extending upwards in a curve and leveling off at a peak wherein said first planar post is attached to the front end of the left side base bar; and said second planar post extending upwards in a curve and leveling off at a peak wherein said second planar post is attached to the front of the right side base bar.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a first horizontally disposed bar including a pair of opposing ends, wherein one opposing end is secured to said first planar post and the other opposing end is secured to said second planar post.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said rectangular sitting component frame includes: a means for attachment to said first planar post at the peak and, a means for attachment to said second planer post at the peak.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said rectangular sitting component frame includes a means for attachment to a first inclined seat support bar and a second inclined seat support bar.
 9. The exercise device of claim 8 further comprising: said first inclined seat support bar including a pair of opposing ends wherein one opposing end is attached to the rear of said left side base bar, and another opposing end is attached to said first planar post; and said second inclined seat support bar including a pair of opposing ends wherein one opposing end is attached to the rear of said right side base bar, and another opposing end is attached to said second planar post.
 10. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a second horizontally disposed bar including two opposite ends wherein said second horizontally disposed bar is secured to the first inclined seat support bar at one opposite end, and said second horizontally disposed bar is secured to the second inclined seat support bar at another opposite end.
 11. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein second horizontally disposed bar includes a member for a user to comfortably grasp said second horizontally disposed bar while raising themselves upwardly and lowering themselves downwardly during exercise.
 12. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said base adapted to rest upon a floor includes a plurality of suitable non skid members for providing firm support once the frame rests upon a floor.
 13. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising said second horizontally disposed bar attached to said pair of inclined seat support bars in a position wherein a user is capable of comfortably grasping the second horizontally disposed bar with their both hands in order to comfortably perform pectoral muscles exercise.
 14. An exercise device comprising: an “H” shaped rigid frame, comprising a base to rest upon a floor; a pair of planar posts generally comprising a first planar post and a second planar post wherein each post extends from the frame; a rectangular sitting component frame mounted to said pair of planar posts; a horizontally disposed seat rectangular in shape, secured to said rectangular sitting component frame wherein said horizontally disposed rectangular seat is selectively adjustable.
 15. The exercise device of claim 14 wherein said base further comprises: a pair of equal length side base bars wherein said base bars are parallel to each other; and a transverse base bar extending between the pair of side base bars wherein said transverse base bar comprises: an elongated bar having opposing ends generally fixed perpendicularly to the midpoint of the left side base bar at one end and the midpoint of the right side base bar at another end.
 16. The exercise device of claim 15 wherein said pair of side base bars further comprise: a left side base bar wherein said left side base bar comprises a front side and a rear side and; a right side base bar wherein said right side base bar comprises a front side and a rear side.
 17. The exercise device of claim 16 further comprising: said first planar post extending upwards in a curve and leveling off at the peak wherein said first planar post is attached to the front end of the left side base bar; and said second planar post extending upwards in a curve and leveling off at the peak wherein said second planar post is attached to the front end of the right side base bar.
 18. The exercise device of claim 17 further comprising a first horizontally disposed bar with a pair of opposing ends, wherein one opposing end is secured to the first planar post and an opposing end is secured to the second planar post.
 19. The exercise device of claim 18 wherein said rectangular sitting component frame is mounted to the first planar post at a peak and, said rectangular sitting component frame is mounted to the second planer post at a peak.
 20. The exercise device of claim 19 wherein said rectangular sitting component frame is further supported by a first inclined seat support bar and a second inclined seat support bar.
 21. The exercise device of claim 20 further comprising: said first inclined seat support bar comprising two opposing ends wherein one end is attached to said rear end of said left side base bar, and one end attached to the first planar post; said second inclined seat support bar comprising two opposing ends wherein one end is attached to said rear end of said right side base bar, and one end at attached to the second planar post.
 22. The exercise device of claim 21 further comprising a second horizontally disposed bar with opposing ends wherein said second horizontally disposed bar is secured to the first inclined seat support bar at one end, and said second horizontally disposed bar is secured to the second inclined seat support bar at the opposing end.
 23. The exercise device of claim 22 wherein said base adapted to rest upon a floor includes a plurality of suitable non skid members for providing firm support once the frame rests upon a floor.
 24. The exercise device of claim 23 further comprising a seat restraint attached to the sitting component frame at opposite sides of the sitting component frame wherein the seat restrain is selectively attached to the sitting component frame to allow a user to tie the seat restraint across their hips preventing a user from sliding off the seat during exercise. 